Best TWS Partners Podcasts (2025)

1
Too Sure for Our Own Good? The Hidden Cost of Overconfidence | with Philipp Strack 17:09

11d ago17:09

17:09

In this episode, we sit down with Philipp Strack to explore the hidden consequences of overconfidence. From distorted learning to discrimination and systemic bias, Philipp explains to us how overestimating ourselves can quietly shape our decisions, relationships, and even society — and why it’s not always a bad thing. Philipp Strack is a professor …

1
The marriage penalty – how the church rewired cooperation networks | with Jonathan Schulz 28:27

25d ago28:27

28:27

In this episode we explore how historical kinship structures, shaped in part by decisions of the Catholic Church, may have fundamentally changed the way humans are able to cooperate on a large scale. Using game theoretic concepts like reciprocity and network structure, we uncover how bans on cousin marriages and even modern Facebook data can help e…

1
Why Climate Agreements Fail: An Innovative Solution Based on Mechanism Design | with Klaus M. Schmidt 30:04

1M ago30:04

30:04

In this episode together with our guest Klaus M. Schmidt, we explore the economic challenges behind global climate agreements. We discuss why past agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement struggled to deliver the desired results and examine how a new negotiation design centered on a uniform CO₂ price could lead to better outcomes.…

1
Globalization and Protectionism – A Game Theoretic View | with Claudia Steinwender 27:58

2M ago27:58

27:58

In this episode, we explore how globalization has shaped trade and innovation—and why rising protectionism is challenging its benefits. What happens when countries impose tariffs and trade restrictions? And how can policymakers navigate the balance between open markets and domestic interests? Claudia Steinwender is a Professor of Economics at Ludwi…

1
How to achieve cooperation: Learnings from fieldwork with the Turkana people | with Sarah Mathew 44:15

2M ago44:15

44:15

In this episode we are speaking with Sarah Mathew about cooperation – especially how cooperation is achieved in the absence of institutions. Sarah gives some theoretical background, shares the concept of free rider problems and the relationship to punishment. She then illustrates the background based on her fieldwork: She has studied how the Turkan…

1
The Truth About Misinformation: Myths, Reality, and Rational Beliefs | with Daniel Williams 31:02

3M ago31:02

31:02

In this episode we are speaking with philosopher Daniel Williams about misinformation—what it is, how it spreads, and whether it is truly on the rise in the form of “fake news”. We also explore why people cling to irrational beliefs and how rationalization shapes public discourse. Finally, Daniel shares strategies for tackling misinformation and en…

1
Mastering High-Stakes Deals: The Power of Game Theory | with Matthias Schranner & Sebastian Moritz 33:38

3M ago33:38

33:38

In our 100th episode, we bring together Matthias Schranner of the Schranner Negotiation Institute and Sebastian Moritz from TWS Partners to celebrate the power of Game Theory in high stakes negotiations. We explore real-world negotiation cases, discuss the Game Theory perspective on successful strategies, and highlight how the two intersect to empo…

1
Can Game Theory help solve international conflicts? – Commitment and Negotiations | with Topi Miettinen 24:21

4M ago24:21

24:21

In this episode, Topi Miettinen shares his view and research on insights from Game Theory on international conflicts. We start discussing different examples of conflicts, e.g. complex negotiations within the EU and even war. Based on the examples Topi shares his research on the role of commitment to finding agreements. He also shares how his resear…

1
How did morality evolve? - Game Theory, Evolution and Philosophy | with J. McKenzie Alexander 37:14

4M ago37:14

37:14

In this episode, we discuss with our guest J. McKenzie Alexander evolutionary game theory and its applications. We start discussing different models from evolutionary game theory starting with the local interaction model and then moving to the replicator model. Based on that we then turn to applications in social theory especially when discussing p…

1
Why We Don’t Get the Politicians We Want: On Corruption, Polarization, and Voter Bias | with Raymond Fisman 36:03

5M ago36:03

36:03

In this episode, our guest Raymond Fisman explains to us the persistent challenge of corruption and the surprising ways in which political polarization and so called “wedge issues” help to sustain it. He shares his insights into why anti-corruption reforms remain elusive despite widespread public demand for honest governance and the creative measur…

1
The Nobel Prize in Economics 2024: How Institutions Shape Development | with Navid Sabet 24:33

5M ago24:33

24:33

In this episode, we explore the contributions of this year’s Nobel Prize laureates in Economics – Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson – and their work on the role of institutions in shaping economic prosperity. Our guest, Navid Sabet guides us through their core findings and shares his perspective on their influential research and its…

1
The game theory behind resolving online disputes | with Selçuk Özyurt 26:58

5M ago26:58

26:58

In this episode, we dive into the world of online mediation mechanisms and how they can resolve disputes in digital marketplaces. As online transactions become more global and complex, the need for efficient, strategy-proof systems to mediate conflicts has never been more crucial. Selçuk Özyurt explains how these mechanisms should be designed to ha…

1
Playing by the rules – a game theoretic view on social norms | with Cristina Bicchieri 33:06

6M ago33:06

33:06

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of social norms and how they influence behavior through the lens of game theory. What exactly are social norms, and why do they matter? Cristina Bicchieri explains how these unwritten rules shape our everyday actions and how game theory helps us understand when and why people follow or break these n…

1
Breaking down Brexit – a game theoretic perspective | with Stefaan De Rynck 33:58

6M ago33:58

33:58

In this episode, we delve into the high-stakes negotiations between the EU and the UK during Brexit, exploring the strategies and tactics from a game-theoretic perspective. Stefaan De Rynck provides an insider's view of the process, discussing key moments, the differing objectives of both sides, and the strategic approaches taken to achieve their g…

1
Are you among the top performing managers? – Overconfidence and its causes | with Collin Raymond 31:40

10M ago31:40

31:40

In this episode, we discuss overconfidence and its underlying psychological mechanisms. Our guest Collin Raymond shares his research (joint work with David Huffman and Julia Shvets) based on a field study he conducted with managers in the context of their Bonus payment. We discuss their findings on how managers make overconfident predictions about …

1
Avoiding Value Drain in Dealmaking – Game Theoretic Strategies | with Paul Papayoanou 23:31

10M ago23:31

23:31

In this episode, we delve into the common pitfalls that negotiators face which lead to value drain in dealmaking. Our guest Paul Papayoanou identifies four types of value-destructive behaviours and shares insights on avoiding these traps. He also outlines the characteristics of an effective dealmaker, emphasising the importance of being a savvy str…

1
Playing the Gene Game: On Genomics, Insurance, and Game Theory | with Eduardo Azevedo 28:48

11M ago28:48

28:48

In this episode, we discuss with Eduardo Azevedo his research on adverse selection in insurance markets. Eduardo gives details on recent developments in genomic advances, also in light of the significant price decrease for obtaining the individual genome. We discuss the possible long-term effect on the insurance market (e.g. specific health insuran…

1
Explaining Loss Aversion using Game Theoretic models | with Greg Kubitz 23:14

11M ago23:14

23:14

In this episode, we discuss with Greg Kubitz his research on loss aversion. Greg shares his research in which he targets to explain loss aversion using Game Theoretic approaches. He combines approaches such as the principal agent model to be able to look at loss aversion through the evolutionary lens considering realistic assumptions on biological …

1
Us vs. Them: Experiments on group identity| with Yan Chen 32:15

12M ago32:15

32:15

In this episode, we engage with Yan Chen to unravel the underlying mechanisms of group identity and group discrimination. Yan discusses her research on ingroup favoritism. We learn how ingroup favoritism can occur even in assigned, artificial groups, and that people with a strong group identity even have a willingness to pay to shield themselves fr…

1
Game Theory Goes to School: Strategic Decisions in Young Minds | with Isabelle Brocas 31:48

12M ago31:48

31:48

In this episode, we explore the fascinating intersection of developmental psychology and economic theory through the lens of children's strategic decision-making abilities: Our discussion focuses on how the evolving capacities of children's brains influence their ability to engage in complex strategic thoughts. Our guest Isabelle Brocas shares the …

1
Playing for a Better Society: Game Theory and Civic Responsibility | with Tore Ellingsen 25:28

1y ago25:28

25:28

In this episode, we delve into the complex world of fostering civic responsibility. Our guest Tore Ellingsen explains how the interplay of regulation, personal sacrifice, and culture can build socially responsible societies or organisations. The conversation is rooted in the perspectives offered in Tore’s recent book, "Institutional and Organizatio…

1
To click or not to click: can we trust sponsored search results? | with Maarten Janssen 28:07

1y ago28:07

28:07

In this episode, our guest Maarten Janssen helps us to explore the field of consumer (online) search. We discuss why economists are particularly interested in this topic and explore the reliability and dynamics of sponsored search results, uncovering the nuances and implications of these prevalent online phenomena. The insights from Maarten’s resea…

1
Discouraging consumption of sin goods – taxes versus nudges | with Dmitry Taubinsky 36:30

1y ago36:30

36:30

In this episode, we explore with Dmitry Taubinsky economic approaches on regulating sin goods such as alcohol or sugary beverages. We discuss the classical approach of taxation and Dmitry compares the approach to nudging approaches. Our discussion leads us into many further economic details: From externalities and internalities, over the question w…

1
Hidden Games: Exploring the rationality of irrational choices | with Moshe Hoffman 27:23

1y ago27:23

27:23

In this episode, we explore the often misunderstood relationship between game theory and human behaviour. Our guest Moshe Hoffman challenges the conventional belief that game theory only applies to rational actors. As Moshe explains in his book “Hidden games” (co-authored with Erez Yoeli), even seemingly irrational behaviours and preferences can be…

1
Avoid sending mixed signals! – signalling in negotiations and beyond | with Uri Gneezy 22:31

1y ago22:31

22:31

In this episode we are talking to Uri Gneezy about his latest book publication “Mixed Signals – How Incentives Really Work”. He explains to us what mixed signals are and makes us aware that we encounter them far more frequently than one would expect. We deep dive into the topic in the context of negotiations where signaling plays a major role. Uri …

1
The Economist's Brain: Tracing Choices with Neuroeconomic Insights | with Juan D. Carrillo 27:26

1y ago27:26

27:26

In this episode, we explore together with our guest Juan D. Carrillo the confluence of economics and neuroscience in understanding human decision-making processes. We delve into how the combination of these two disciplines can illuminate the biological basis of decision making, with a particular focus on complex scenarios like multi-task decision m…

1
Feeding America – allocating food to food banks with innovative market mechanisms | with Canice Prendergast 38:15

1+ y ago38:15

38:15

In this episode, we discuss with Canice Prendergast how market design mechanisms can be applied in social services. Canice shares how he collaborated with Feeding America on optimally allocating about 300 million pounds of food per year to hundreds of food banks across the United States. They were developing a market-based allocation mechanism intr…

1
Does opaque AI lead to a catastrophe? – a Game Theorist’s view | with Jeffrey Ely 35:41

1+ y ago35:41

35:41

In this episode, we discuss with Jeff Ely a topic that has gotten significant public attention last year with the introduction of Chat GPT and similar programmes: The role of AI. Jeff shares his research with Balazs Szentes on a natural selection model on AI. They set up a model to study the AI control problem in the context of decentralized econom…

1
Split or Steal? Experiments on lies and self-deception | with Marta Serra-Garcia 33:14

1+ y ago33:14

33:14

In this episode, we explore with Marta Serra-Garcia the paradoxes of human behaviour in the realms of self-deception and lie detection. Marta's research, rooted in behavioural and experimental economics, questions why lying persists in a society that values morality. We delve into her experiments that examine how people reconcile their self-image w…

1
Fortune's Fairness: The Super-Rich's View on Inequality | with Alain Cohn 40:44

1+ y ago40:44

40:44

In this episode, our guest Alain Cohn helps us to understand the complex relationship between wealth and perceptions of fairness in society. We explore his innovative research methodology, which move beyond traditional surveys to more accurately reflect the nuances of economic behaviors. The conversation also highlights the differences in attitudes…

1
Union negotiators are Game Theorists – 2023 UAW strike and its outcomes | with Marc Robinson 29:29

1+ y ago29:29

29:29

In this episode, our guest Marc Robinson, strategy and risk management expert, shares details on the recent UAW strikes and negotiations. With his rich background in the automotive industry and his experience as an economist at General Motors in the past, Marc observed the recent negotiations from a Game Theorist perspective. He shares the key succ…

1
(Nuclear) Deterrence as a Game Theoretic concept | with Frank Zagare 15:17

1+ y ago15:17

15:17

In this episode we are talking to Frank Zagare about deterrence. The term gained popularity in particular during the cold war to describe the role of nuclear weapons in Soviet-American relations and, in light of recent events, has surfaced again. Together with Frank we look at the concept from a Game Theoretic perspective and discuss the shortcomin…

1
Would you return a lost wallet? – Economist’s perspective on honesty | with Michel Maréchal 26:44

1+ y ago26:44

26:44

In this episode we are talking to Michel Maréchal about honesty from an economist’s perspective. He shares with us two studies he has conducted on honesty: Firstly, we talk about a mega-study in which Michel and his colleagues have tested in more than 300 cities around the globe with more than 17000 wallets whether people would rather return lost w…

1
In plain sight - why simplicity should be considered in game theoretic concepts | with Shengwu Li 28:50

1+ y ago28:50

28:50

In this episode we are talking to Shengwu Li about simplicity in game theoretic concepts. He explains to us, what simple means in this context, how this notion facilitates application of game theory to the "real world" and what an obviously dominant strategy is. We discuss how this understanding of game theory can be particularly helpful when condu…

1
Picking up speed - how companies can make headway in reaching CO2 targets | with Daniel Helmig 27:27

1+ y ago27:27

27:27

For many companies reaching their self-imposed CO2 targets has become quite a tall order. While procurement has tried to rise to the occasion progress is often slow. In this episode we are talking to Daniel Helmig who explains to us how companies can get unstuck and move forward in reaching their CO2 targets. We discuss what the past can teach us a…

1
Cracking the Code: Incentivising teams in non-routine tasks | with Florian Englmaier 30:01

1+ y ago30:01

30:01

In this episode, our guest Florian Englmaier explores the effectiveness of monetary incentives in driving team efficiency and innovation. He shares insights from an experimental study conducted in an escape room setting, uncovering surprising findings about the impact of incentives on non-routine tasks and the emergence of leadership dynamics withi…

1
Learning from a negotiation expert - the role of ‘tactical empathy’ | with Chris Voss 30:53

1+ y ago30:53

30:53

In this episode we are talking to Chris Voss. He is a former FBI hostage negotiator and has written a bestselling book “Never split the difference”. We discuss with him, what we can learn from hostage negotiations about negotiations in other settings, especially in the business context. Chris shares his approaches to negotiations and compares the i…

1
Let’s go to the movies! – Game Theory in films | with Santiago Sanchez-Pages 24:31

2y ago24:31

24:31

In today’s episode, we discuss Game Theory in movies. Santiago shares in which movies the prisoner’s dilemma, the chicken game and other concepts are portrayed. The discussion brings us to many known movies, amongst them ‘The dark knight’, ‘A Beautiful Mind’, and many others. Below we have listed a list of links of the movie clips we discuss in thi…

1
Hidden Gems – Gathering insights from unconventional data sources | with Stefano DellaVigna 29:00

2y ago29:00

29:00

In this episode, our guest Stefano DellaVigna shares his approach to answering research questions through various data sources, including lab experiments, natural experiments, and field experiments. We explore the significance of seeking out natural experiments and their value in enhancing our understanding of human behavior. Using examples such as…

1
Behind the Stars: Uncovering the Biases in Online Reviews | with Tommaso Bondi 26:30

2y ago26:30

26:30

In this episode Tommaso Bondi shares his research on cultural markets with us. We take a deep dive into the insights he gained when studying online reviews and he explains to us why, counterintuitively, earning public recognition does not necessarily lead to higher ratings. A finding which, as we learn from Tommaso, is closely related to how well c…

1
A Tale of Two Players: Exploring the Rubinstein Bargaining Model | with Ariel Rubinstein 32:55

2y ago32:55

32:55

In today’s episode, we explore one of the classics in Bargaining theory: The Rubinstein Bargaining Model. And we have found the perfect guest - who better to explain this bargaining model than its founder Ariel Rubinstein himself! Ariel not only shares how the idea of the model came to be, but he also comments on some results and critically discuss…

1
Can Cash Cloud the Mind? Exploring the Influence of Incentives on Personal Choices | with Sandro Ambühl 29:19

2y ago29:19

29:19

Monetary incentives are a part of our daily lives, from work bonuses to fines for minor traffic violations. But can they lead us to make bad decisions? In this episode, our guest Sandro Ambühl presents an empirical study in which he investigates this very question. He explains what constitutes a bad decision in the economic/rational sense and how p…

1
Clicking Against the Clock: How time pressure and regret influence our behaviour in online shopping | with Timm Opitz 26:23

2y ago26:23

26:23

In this episode, we explore how time pressure and regret can influence our search behavior as customers in the world of online shopping. Our guest, Timm Opitz, sheds light on his research paper titled "Time Pressure and Regret in Sequential Search", which investigates the impact of urgency and regret on optimal search behavior by conducting experim…

1
AI and Regulation: Finding the Sweet Spot for Consumer Welfare | with Keith Chan 25:49

2y ago25:49

25:49

Join us in this episode as we explore the rise of AI technology and the complex decisions that policy makers are facing regarding the protection of privacy and fostering of innovation. Our guest Keith sheds light on how moderately loosening regulations in a competitive market environment may maximize consumer welfare. However, we also discuss how s…

1
From Connections to Careers: On the Impact of Personal Referrals in the Labour Market | with Felix Mylius 21:47

2y ago21:47

21:47

In this episode Felix Mylius shares his insights on personal referrals in labour markets. He explains to us why personal referrals are still relevant for job search today despite the predominant use of online platforms to find jobs and how all this is linked to Game Theory and matching markets. Together we dive into firms' incentives, implications …

1
The doctor is in! Misguided incentives and regulation in healthcare markets | with Simon Reif 20:11

2y ago20:11

20:11

In this episode we are diving into the topic of healthcare markets together with Simon Reif. He explains to us what makes the healthcare market so special, why its characteristics call for regulation and how systems differ substantially across countries. Focusing on Europe we discuss how, counterintuitively, setting a "global budget" for hospitals …

1
Truth-telling by design: how Market Design can alleviate inequality | with Piotr Dworczak 24:19

2y ago24:19

24:19

In this episode Piotr Dworczak explains to us how Market Design can contribute to alleviating inequality by increasing accuracy of policies targeting inequality. He does so using an example from the housing market which shows that more often than not it is very difficult to ensure that subsidies actually reach people in need since they cannot be ea…

1
Why sometimes we are better off not knowing – on information design and Bayesian persuasion | with Emir Kamenica 30:33

2y ago30:33

30:33

In this episode Emir Kamenica introduces us to the research field of information design. He recaps the history of modelling information in economics from the 70s to today, and explains term “Bayesian Persuasion” (and if and how it differs from the term “information design”). He then illustrates how having full information e.g. as a navigation app u…

1
Putting your money where your mouth is – on commitment in auctions | with Vitali Gretschko 21:22

2y ago21:22

21:22

In this episode, Vitali Gretschko sheds some light on a fundamental game theoretic concept: Commitment. He explains why commitment is a crucial prerequisite of auctions and introduces different ways of generating commitment. We also explore how commitment is linked to the concept of information and discuss auction concepts which make it less likely…

1
Auctions, bidding strategies and uncertainty | with Bernhard Kasberger 24:35

2y ago24:35

24:35

From selling on eBay over Google advertisements to buying a house, auctions are all around us! But what makes it so difficult to find the right bidding strategy? In this episode Bernhard Kasberger sheds some light on what a so called first price auction is, why it is challenging to "bid correctly" and what the recipe for the optimal bid strategy un…

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